Blueberry Jam with Gifted Bread

It's National AfternoonTea Week, and I'm having some Iced Organic Green tea to go along with some whole grain bread and jam.   My polka dot giant teacup planter is filled with  purple oxalis plant.  I just love using my sunflower plates from Pier 1, that I've had for several years.

Sarah, from Hyacinths for the Soul sent me three mini breads of each of three different samples of her "chef"s" homemade bread that he likes to make. On one of Sarah's recent posts, she mentioned her "chef's" breads, and I commented that I wished I could try them.   I wasn't hinting, really I wasn't, but thoughtful Sarah sent me some.  Wasn't that sweet?? 

The bread on the left is the 9-grain, flax, teef, and quinoa.  The middle bread is rye, flax, teef, quinoa, and blackstrap, and the one on the right is oats, flax, quinoa and teef.   Oh my goodness, each one was so delicious!  The breads so reminded me of the wholesome brown bread that my late hubby and I ate in Ireland.  A big Texas sized thank you goes to Sarah and her"chef"!!

I thought a parasol drinking straw would be fun to use for National Tea Week.  Another friend crocheted me a set of sunflower coasters.  Cute, huh?

Yield: 8 cupsAuthor: Kitty

Blueberry Jam

I love homemade jam on my morning toast! Make sure you sterilize your jars (I do this in the dishwasher) and put the lids in boiling water, and then keep them on simmer, while preparing the jam.

INGREDIENTS:

• Buy 8 cups blueberries, which should yield 4-1/2 cups chopped blueberries
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 7 cups sugar
• 2 pouches Certo
• 1/2 teaspoon butter

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Chop blueberries (using a food processor is the easiest way), and put into a large pot. Add the lemon juice.
2. Measure the sugar into a separate bowl (in case you lose count!). Add sugar to the blueberries. Add the butter to reduce foaming.
3. Bring mixture to a full rolling boil on high heat; boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
4. Stir in the two pouches of Certo quickly. Return to a full rolling boil; boil exactly 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Skim off any foam with a metal spoon.
5. Ladle immediately into prepared jars, filling each to within 1/4" of the top. Wipe rims and threads. Cover with two-piece lids. Screw bands tightly.
6. Here's how I process the jars for jam: After putting on the lids and bands, I immediately turn the jars over on a towel and let them stand upside down for 5-10 minutes. Flip them over, and you should begin to hear the "ping" of the lids sealing. I have never had one fail this way.

Created using The Recipes Generator

This sweet granddaughter, Cissy, celebrated her 10th birthday this past week.  I always take the kids out on a date to celebrate them.

On the 16th of this month, it will be 4 years since my husband's passing.  Not a day goes by that I don't wish he was still here with me.  This was his high school graduation picture.  Wasn't he a handsome guy?  I wish he was here to go to our 50th high school reunion this weekend.

I am sharing this with these lovely parties:

Tuesday Cuppa Tea 

Cooking and Crafting with J & J

Tea in the Garden

Share Your Cup

Full Plate

Foodie Friday

Dishing It! & Digging It!

 Thank you for your visit!  xo

 

 

Lavender Sugar Scrub and Lavender Soap for Gifting

 I'd like to  share some gift giving ideas for Mother's Day.  Does homemade soap and a sugar scrub sound like fun to make?  I enjoyed making them!

 Don't these soaps look good enough to eat?

 Wouldn't you like giving or receiving a basket of soaps and a sugar scrub?

Here are the soaps all wrapped up and ready for gifting.  I actually made ten soaps from about 2/3 of the 2 lb. package.  For the sugar scrub, I used cupcake liners on top of the lid and glued some lace around the band. 

Lavender Soap:

I was inspired to make some homemade soap when Linda, from My Sew What Blog sent me a bar as a thank you gift, after Stephanie's Fall Teacup Exchange from The Enchanting Rose .  The soap is as easy as using a coupon at Michael's, and following the directions on the package.  I  bought the a 2-pound block of the Goat's Milk Glycerin Soap, and added lavender essential oil and some dried lavender to enhance the beauty.  I used small plastic containers and vintage jello molds to shape my soaps. I did spray the jello molds with some cooking spray to make sure the soap would pop out.  The plastic molds were easy to work with.  You also can buy special molds for soap making, but I thought I'd try what I had on hand.

 Lavender Sugar Scrub:

1 cup sugar

1/4 cup coconut oil, melted

a few drops of lavender essential oil

dried lavender

Mix all together and then put into jars.  Sprinkle some additional dried lavender on top.  Decorate jars as desired .  Double or triple the ingredients for extra gift giving!

Note:  If you would like your sugar scrub to be less coarse, increase the amount of coconut oil.  

 After all of our hard work, how about a nice  cup of tea?  I'll let you sip from my Late Great Aunt Kitty's hand painted teacup.  Didn't she do a wonderful job on the violets?

I am sharing this with these lovely parties:

No Place Like Home

Tuesday Cuppa Tea 

Bernideen's Tea Time, Collage and Garden Blog Party

Tea Cup Tuesday 

Cooking and Crafting with J & J  

Share Your Cup

Full Plate
Thoughts of Home on Thursday 

Foodie Friday

Weekend Potluck
Tea in the Garden
Dishing It! & Digging It! 

 

Thank you for your visit!  xo

Easy Cherry Crisp and Cheery, Cherry Gifts

My cheery, cherry tea is featuring some beautiful, handmade gifts that I received from my sweet blogging friend Stephanie, from The Enchanting Rose.  Just look at my pretty apron, and guess what?  It's reversible, too!  Stephanie is the Queen of Embellishments, and her handmade items always have her special touches.  I love the apron's old-fashioned charm, with the pretty doily, and the soft rose trim.  Aren't I lucky?

 This pretty mug rug is perfect for my teacup and a snack.  I moved my bowl of cherry crisp, so that you could see the beauty of the design.  In the background is a darling fabric bowl, all embellished to match the apron and mug rug. 

My Mary Engelbreit teacup, from my friend Bea, looks so pretty on the mug rug, don't you think?

Here's my easy cherry crisp that I whipped up for the occasion.  There's plenty, as you can see, so please join me, won't you?

 

 Now let's enjoy a bowl of easy cherry crisp, and we will drink some Black Forest Tea, that my friend, Margie, sent me, and  oh my goodness, is it ever good!

Easy Cherry Crisp (adapted from Allrecipes.com)

• 1 (21 ounce) can cherry pie filling
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 2/3 cup brown sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.    Lightly grease a 2 quart baking dish (I just used a pie dish).  Pour pie filling into the dish, and spread evenly.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together flour, oats, sugar, cinnamon.   Mix in melted butter.  Spread over pie filling, and sprinkle with chopped pecans.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until topping is golden brown. Allow to cool 15 minutes before serving.

This lovely apron goes perfectly in my kitchen.  Thank you, Stephanie, for your handmade gifts for me!  If you'd like to participate in Stephanie's next teacup & mug exchange, the information is below.   You need not have a blog to participate.  It's such a rewarding experience, and you can read testimonies from several ladies, by visiting  here.

 

I am sharing this with these lovely parties:

No Place Like Home

Tuesday Cuppa Tea 

Bernideen's Tea Time, Collage and Garden Blog Party

Tea Cup Tuesday 
Roses of Inspiration 
Cooking and Crafting with J & J  

Share Your Cup

Full Plate
Thoughts of Home on Thursday 

Foodie Friday

Weekend Potluck
Dishing It! & Digging It! 

Thank you for your visit!  xo

A Lovely Gifted Teacup and No Bake Cookies

 Today as we sit by my waterfall, I am excited to show you my new teacup!  We will have some Touch Organic green tea that came along with my teacup.  The daisies came from a border on the side of my house and they're a variety that does well  in Texas.

 My dear friend Barbara, from Two Birdies and a B, sent me this gorgeous teacup because she was thinking of me when she saw it.  Now Barbara and I have never met, as she lives in New York and I live in Texas. However, like most blogging friends who are drawn together, we "know" each other and are kindred souls. I could not believe my eyes when I opened my package.  If a teacup could be made for me, this would be it!  Long ago, when I attended Ohio State University, and was a Home Economics Education major, I took a Home Furnishings course.  In this course we had to pick a home design, furnish, and decorate it.  My favorite colors then and have always been red, blue and green, and look what Barbara chose for me!!! 

 Don't you just love the scalloped edge around the teacup rim and saucer,  the pretty basket weave embossed  design, and the lovely floral border??  The surprise of flowers inside the cup is an added bonus.

 Here's the pattern name and one that I've never seen.   Thank you, Barbara, for this most thoughtful gift and for the tea that you sent, too.  I'm in teacup heaven, and it suits me perfectly to a TEA!

I've made some No-Bake Cookies for us to share, while we admire my new teacup.  These cookies are an old recipe that were loved by my kids while they were growing up.  Both the  chocolate and peanut butter flavors are subtle and it's a perfect cookie to make in the summer months, when you don't want to turn on the oven.

Chocolate Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies

1 stick butter (1/2 cup)

2 cups sugar

1/2 cup milk

1/4 cup cocoa powder

1/2 cup peanut butter

3 cups oats

2 teaspoons vanilla

Mix butter, milk, sugar, and cocoa; bring to a rolling boil and boil 1 minute.  Remove from heat and immediately add peanut butter, oats, and vanilla.  Stir mixture well and then drop by spoonful onto waxed paper.  Cookies will harden as they cool.  

Makes 24-36 depending on size when dropped

Update on my son, Mike:

Back on June 5th, Mike had the "trial" spinal cord implant done by the pain management doctor.  Through a series of ups and downs, in finding a surgeon and facility that was in his insurance plan, he is finally going to have the spinal cord transmitter implant procedure done this coming week.  I know he's looking forward to moving ahead.  Thank you so very much for your concern, prayers and well wishes. 

I am sharing this with:

Tea Time Tuesday

Tuesday Cuppa Tea 

Friends Sharing Tea

Tea Cup Tuesday 
Roses of Inspiration 
Cooking and Crafting with J & J 

Share Your Cup

Full Plate

Foodie Friday

Weekend Potluck

Thank you for your visit!  xo

Apple Crunch

For my tea today, I am using the beautiful "Poppy" teacup that my dear friend Bernideen from Bernideen's Tea Time Blog sent me to share her sympathy with me after my hubby passed away.  She also sent a delightful Fruit Spiced Tea from her shop, Bernideen's, in Colorado.  Thank you for my lovely,  thoughtful gifts!  I think of you whenever I sip my tea from this pretty cup. 

 

Isn't this teacup so pretty?  I love that there's a poppy peeking on the inside, too.  Bernideen knows me so well to send my favorite color!

Apple Crunch

Oh how I love this dessert!  I believe I love it more than apple pie.  The topping is wonderful and has a wonderful texture.   I hope you try it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.

4 large apples, peeled (I used my apple/peeler/corer/slicer)
1 t. cinnamon
some freshly grated nutmeg, to taste
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup water

Topping

1 cup flour
1/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar
6 T. melted butter

Lightly butter inside of 9-inch pie plate. Place sliced apples in dish.  Sprinkle cinnamon, nutmeg and sugar over apples.  Pour the water evenly over this.

For Topping:  Mix flour and brown sugar together and add the melted butter.  Stir together and set aside for 5 minutes, then break apart with fingertips.  Sprinkle on top of the apples. 
Bake at 350 degrees for 30-45 minutes, checking for the tenderness of the apples and for the topping to be golden brown. 

I am sharing this with:

Make It Pretty Monday
Tea Time Tuesday
Friends Sharing Tea
Inspire Me
Tips, Tutorials and Tidbits
Full Plate
Foodie Friday
Seasonal Sundays
Weekend Potluck

           Thank you for your visit!  xo

Thank You Vee and Stephanie!

Stephanie, from The Enchanting Rose, hosted her second teacup/mug exchange.  I loved the first one so much and sweet Stephanie arranged for her Mom to have me the first time, and we became fast friends.  This time around, Vee from A Haven for Vee, was my gift giver, and we too, became fast friends.  I told Stephanie that it is such a wonderful idea of hers to unite new friends all through a teacup.  What a lovely ministry that Stephanie started!  You can see that I received not one, but TWO mugs, from Vee!  The one on the left is what I received first, and Vee said in her note that it was to "bide the time - a Wal Mart 'special'" and to be looking for my "real" mug to arrive, coming from Great Britain!!  Wow, I feel like a Queen!!

 Here's an inside peek at the one that just arrived from Great Britain.  Don't you love details draped over the top?

 Here's the bottom of the mug...my favorite color...RED!

 

Don't the mugs look pretty on my bed?  Yes, I drink tea every morning from this tray in my bed...very indulgent, I know!

I LOVE both of my mugs, Vee, and I thank you for our new friendship. Thank you, dear Stephanie,  for hosting this fun gift exchange. 

 

These lovely gifts were sent from Stephanie after my dear hubby passed away.  She sent the sweetest note to cheer me and to get me in the Fall mood.  Stephanie is so talented and made all the pretty gifts and sent along a box of tea to enjoy.  I think of Stephanie each time I look at one of her gifts that are placed around my house.  She lovingly wrote scriptures on each of the leaves.  My favorite one is, "Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted": Matthew 5:4.

Thank you!  xo

 I am sharing this with:

The Enchanting Rose
Seasonal Sundays 

Tea Time Gifts

 

A very sweet, thoughtful blogging friend, Stephanie, from The Enchanting Rose recently had a tea cup gift exchange.  Well, being the tea lover that I am, I was all on board.  I had fun choosing the gifts that I sent, and I was so excited to open my gift box when it arrived!!  Inside was this beautiful Weatherly, by Lenox teacup, some Jasmine Petal green tea and are you ready for this?...homemade Raspberry Jam!!  OH. BE. STILL. MY. HEART!!  Raspberry Jam is my all-time favorite. 

 

I decided to take my gifts and enjoy tea in the garden.  Isn't the teacup so lovely?  My gift-giver, who happens to be Stephanie's dear Mom, included a beautiful, handmade notecard with a quote from Mother Teresa of Calcutta:

"Love is a fruit in season at all times, and within the reach of every hand".

Included also was a scroll of paper with Tips for Creating a Beautiful Tea.

Knowing my English Muffin Bread recipe, which you can find here, would be the perfect match for the jam, I was in raspberry bliss heaven!!

 

Look at this beautifully decorated jar with a pretty label and some beautiful lace!!

 

Thank you Stephanie for hosting this gift exchange,  and to Debbie for all my special, heart-warming, much appreciated and loved gifts!

 

I am sharing this with:

 

The Enchanting Rose

Make It Pretty Monday

Tea Time Tuesday
Tea in the Garden 

Inspire Me Tuesday
Tips, Tutorials and Tidbits

Share Your Cup

Full Plate Thursday
Anything Blue Friday

Foodie Friday

Weekend Potluck

Seasonal Sundays

               Thank you for your visit!  xo

  

 

 

Brown Sugar Vanilla/Almond Scrub

 

These homemade scrubs make wonderful gifts.  They're so easy to do and people really love receiving and using them.  You can use them on your hands, feet, elbows or wherever you need some tender lovin' care.  The scrub smells so good, you almost want to eat it!!  You could keep a few to have on hand for hostess, friend or teacher gifts.  (Guys even like them, too.)  Here's the recipe:

2 cups brown sugar
1 cup white sugar
1 cup oil
  (I used 1/2 c. olive oil and 1/2 c. coconut oil)
1 T. vanilla extract
1 t. almond extract

Mix the sugar together until there are no lumps.  Add the rest of the ingredients and stir.
Package into jars and decorate with ribbon and a tag.  A little spoon or a shell is helpful for scooping. 
You may want to use a plastic container if you're worried about breakage in a bathroom.

I am sharing with:


Mix It Up Monday!
Make It Pretty Monday
Tips, Tutorials and Tidbits
HOME
Recipe Box
Full Plate Thursday
Weekend Potluck
Foodie Friday
Home Sweet Home
Homespun Christmas Link Party
Seasonal Sundays

Gifts from a Dear Friend!

 

 

When I opened my front door the other day, much to my surprise,  there on the porch was a box addressed to ME!!  OH MY GOODNESS!!!   I quickly opened the box marked "fragile", and wrapped so prettily were these wonderful goodies.  My dear friend knows that I love "Irish" things, but how did she know that my birth month color is purple??!! 

The hankies are sooo pretty. One is adorned with violets and the other with shamrocks and Irish symbols.  The lace doily (be still my beating heart!!) is "Real Carrickmacross Lace" and is just exquisite!  The darling little china basket is painted with gorgeous purple pansies and the darling vase, from County Cork Ireland, has shamrocks painted on the front and back and actually has hand painted trim in 24 KT. gold!!  Can you see why I am so enthralled??!!  What thoughtful gifts were bestowed upon me.  I even have a Yankee  magazine  to keep me company with thoughts of my "Yankee" friend.

I LOVE all my wonderful gifts and will cherish each and every one.  Of course, I will be doing a post and including some of these treasures soon. 

Thank you, dear friend, for the lovely surprise!!  Blessings to you and yours!

 xoxo,

Kitty

I am sharing this with:

Mix It Up Monday!
You're Gonna Love It Tuesday
Cowgirl Up
Let's Dish
Potpourri Friday
Home Sweet Home
Seasonal Sundays

 

Lemon Sugar Scrub

A friend's daughter made a sugar scrub and I loved it so much, but ran out after using it daily.  I've used salt scrubs in the past, but sometimes the salt actually burns.  Sugar scrubs are much more user-friendly!  I use this on my hands and on the heels of my feet.  My cuticles actually look better.  Here's a recipe, if you'd like to give it a try or give as a gift.  Any Mom, teacher or friend would surely love this.

2 1/2 cups sugar
1 cup Extra-Virgin olive oil or safflower oil
 (I used 1/2 cup coconut oil and 1/2 c. EVOO)
lemon extract, desired amount
the zest of a lemon

Mix all together and put in jars to give as gifts.

I am sharing this with:
On the Menu Monday
Mix It Up Monday!
Your Cozy Home Party
The Bunny Hop
Full Plate Thursday
Thriving on Thursdays
Weekend Potluck
Foodie Friday
Seasonal Sundays

Christmas Jam

 

A scone with this jam & a cup of tea...bliss!!!

My hubby & I have been making this every Christmas for probably over 35 years now.  It's a wonderful gift for co-workers, neighbors, friends & family.  We love it & it seems like everyone that receives it, loves it, too.  Here's the recipe, if you'd like to give it a try:

                                                                         
Before you start, make sure you have clean, sterilized jars & put the lids in a small pan  of boiling water.  I then keep the lids on simmer, while making the jam & keep hot water  in the jars until ready to use.
                                                                                                
1 (12-ounce) package fresh cranberries
2 (10-ounce) packages frozen strawberries, thawed (I now use a 23-24 oz container of sliced strawberries in sugar, thawed)
4 cups sugar
1 (3-ounce) package liquid pectin

Process cranberries in a food processor with the knife blade until they are coarsely chopped.

Combine cranberries, strawberries & sugar in a dutch oven; bring to a boil & cook for 1 minute, stirring occasionally.  Remove from heat; add pectin to mixture.  Return to a full rolling boil; boil 1 minute, stirring occasionally.

Remove from heat & skim off foam with a metal  spoon.

Quickly pour jam into hot sterilized jars, leaving 1/4" headspace.  Wipe jar rims.  Cover at once with metal lids, and screw on bands.  Process in boiling-water bath for 5 minutes (or see NOTE).

Yield:  7 half pints

NOTE:  For a quick way to process the jam, check this recipe here, and follow step #7.    It works for me every time!!

 

I am sharing with these delightful blog parties:

Tea Party Tuesday

Tabletop Tuesday

Tea Time Tuesday

Wow Us Wednesday

Rock 'n Share Party

Full Plate Thursday

Foodie Friday

Sweets for Saturday

Seasonal Sundays

Christmas in July Party at Cowgirl Up

A Homespun Christmas Recipes and Tablescapes

Hot Chocolate on a Spoon

Recently I was perusing the aisles of a country store & saw this cute idea, which sold for $1.99.  I thought that it would make a really cute gift idea.  I had some chocolate Wilton candy melts already & decided to check out Dollar Tree for the rest of the items.   Sure enough, DT had the marshmallows, spoons & candy canes.   Here's what you need to make these cute spoons:

Aren't these cute?

                                                                     
plastic spoons
peppermint candy canes
mini marshmallows
chocolate for melting (Wilton candy melts, chocolate bark, even chocolate chips
wax paper
plastic wrap
ribbon

Crush some peppermint candy canes & set aside.

Melt your candy melts or whatever chocolate you are using in a microwave-safe container.  I like to use a small, narrow juice glass.  Microwave your chocolate according to directions on package.  I usually microwave at one minute intervals, using 50% power until chocolate is melted.

Take your spoon & dip it into the chocolate, coating liberally.  Place on a cookie sheet that has been lined with wax paper.  Place 3 mini marshmallows down the center of the spoon & sprinkle with the crushed peppermint. You want to do this before the chocolate hardens.  Of course, if you don't like peppermint candy, leave it off.    Repeat for however many spoons you want to do. 

This is a fun project to do with kids!!!!

Place the spoons in the freezer for about 5 minutes to set the chocolate.

Wrap spoon in the plastic wrap & tie with a bow.

Give the spoon with directions to: " Add the spoon to hot milk & stir  for a delicious hot chocolate drink."  I think it would be nice to have a little tag with the title & directions  attached to the spoon.

For a gift, add the spoon to a pretty mug

I am sharing with:

 Pink Saturday
Sweets for Saturday
Seasonal Sundays
On the Menu Monday
Metamorphosis Monday
Tea Party Tuesday
Tabletop Tuesday
Crazy Sweet Tuesday
Wow Us Wednesday
Rock 'n Share Party
Bunny Hop Wednesday
Full Plate Thursday
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Foodie Friday

Chocolate Nut Crackle Sauce

I cut this recipe out of a magazine YEARS ago.  It's like the Magic Shell sauce that you buy, only BETTER!!  It hardens on ice cream & is SO good.  Of course, if you're making it for kids, you may want to leave out the nuts.  Here's the recipe.


1/4 cup butter or margarine
1 cup medium-fine chopped walnuts, pecans or almonds
1 6 oz. package semi-sweet chocolate chips

Melt butter or margarine in heavy skillet over moderate heat.  Add nuts & cook, stirring to prevent burning, until light golden brown.  Remove from heat & stir in chocolate pieces until  melted & smooth.  Heat to serve over ice cream (sauce will crackle & become firm). 

To give, put in a jelly jar with instructions to heat the sauce before serving.

Makes 1 1/4 cups.

Serve over  my Vanilla Bean Ice Cream recipe for a scrumptious treat!!!

NOTE:  I re-heat the sauce in the microwave on medium power until melted.

I am sharing this with Foodie Friday & On the Menu Monday at Stonegable & Tea Party Tuesday  & Rock 'n Share Party, Crazy Sweet Tuesday